David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

They like to throw around accusations and make comments but do not like to listen. Perhaps the Minister will listen for one moment for a change. To return to my point, a Deputy's net pay is approximately €60,000, of which Sinn Féin Deputies take half and use the other half to employ someone. This means each Sinn Féin Deputy takes somebody off the live register, thus achieving savings for the State. Moreover, tax is paid on the full €95,000 and on the €30,000 in income of the person employed. The Deputy is, therefore, out of pocket because tax is paid twice and the State benefits twice by having a person taken off the live register and paid from the Deputy's salary and having this employee's after-tax income taxed again. I assume this makes sense to the Acting Chairman, Senator Quinn, although it may not make political sense to a Minister who is, I am sure, very comfortable on his salary, as are those who like to put their full salaries in their pockets rather than taking people off the live register. Sinn Féin wants to get people back to work and provide a first class constituency service.